This exceptionally rare Victorian-era complete chatelaine from the mid-1800s is crafted in fully-hallmarked sterling silver and was retailed by the prestigious Bond Street jeweller Thornhill & Co. in London. Bearing the “lion passant” for sterling standard and the leopard’s head for the London Assay Office, the piece is a fine example of functional luxury from the golden age of chatelaines. (Additional photos available upon request.)
 
Designed to be worn at the waist, the ornate clip supports multiple original chains suspending a complete and beautifully matched personal tool set. These include a dance card with immaculate ivory pages, a pencil holder, a rare skirt-lifter, elegant silver scissors with glorious bird-shaped handles, a needle-case/scissor-holder, and a fine mesh coin purse with two compartments. Each matched element is richly engraved in a Rococo Revival style, displaying excellent craftsmanship and strong decorative continuity across the suite. The clip itself features an ornate scene of two Neoclassical figures, a cherub, and a backdrop of columns, shells and arabesques. 
 
Chatelaines such as this were essential accessories for fashionable Victorian women, combining practicality with refined ornamentation. The presence of a Bond Street retailer’s stamp places this piece firmly within the luxury retail tradition of mid-to-late-Victorian London, where such items were sold to an elite clientele.
 
This beautiful chatelaine remains in excellent antique condition, with a pleasing patina and a well-preserved ensemble of original tools. It is a rare and highly desirable survivor of its type, offering both historical significance and striking visual appeal.
 
Though originally worn at the waist, it can now be worn as part of a statement necklace. Truly a superb collector’s piece and a romantic relic of Victorian daily life.
 
Sourced in Florence, Italy and curated by Paris-based Vivienne Birt for Chateau Love, this antique chatelaine embodies the timeless sophistication and meticulous artistry that defines our carefully selected chateau-worthy collection of luxurious antique and vintage jewelry. 
 
MATERIAL: Sterling Silver 
 
AGE: 1850 - 1890
 
CONDITION: 
Very good – surface wear commensurate with age and use 
The steel blades of the scissors have rusted together, though may be restored by a specialist.
 
SIZE:
Maximum length: 33cm
 
WEIGHT: 210g
 
Please read descriptions and inspect photos carefully, paying careful attention to size and weight. Due to the age of antique and vintage jewelry, minor abrasions and wear of finishes is normal and appreciated. All items have been tested to be in working/usable condition, unless otherwise stated. Please take care to understand safe cleaning methods for each type of gem and metal. Jewelry pieces are carefully wrapped, ribboned and shipped in an elegant velvet or leatherette presentation gift box.